Lighted panel device able to be applied onto posts

ABSTRACT

A lighted panel display, able to be applied onto road lighting posts, comprises at least a board with a frame having, as its horizontal sides, lower and upper elongated plates and, as its vertical sides, two uprights and luminous display panel, housed in said frame. If the panel is a clear sheet bearing images and/or captions, two fluorescent lamps, housed within each upright, emit light only within the sheet through longitudinal openings of the uprights.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a lighted panel able to be applied ontoposts, in particular posts for road lighting or the like. The device isdestined to the display of advertising and/or notices or communicationsalso of public utility.

BACKGROUND ART

In current urban décor, especially in large cities, lighted panels canbe widely observed. They generally present ample planar surfaces,mounted, generally opposing each other, on support elements of variousshapes and sizes, bearing images and/or captions back-lighted with lightsources, generally fluorescent or incandescent lamps situated betweensuch planar surfaces in a box-like container. The purpose of the lightedpanels is to make more visible at a distance advertising orinformational posters placed on the planar surfaces than they would beif they were lighted by incident light alone, in order more effectivelyto attract the attention of motorists and pedestrians during night-timehours.

To allow back-lighting, the light sources, usually the so-called neonlamps, are sandwiched between said planar surfaces, generally made ofclear plastic material.

This known type of lighted panels with back-lighted surfaces presentssome drawbacks. In them, illumination is not distributed uniformly overthe entire surface to light and therefore causes the poor definition ofthe contours of the images or captions to be lighted. A poor level ofvisual quality is determined, thereby weakening the communicationeffectiveness of an advertising message. Moreover, the luminosity ofknown panels, with the strong contrasts of the light that exitstherefrom, creates a blinding or in any case an annoying effect forthose who watch, whilst too weak a light leads them to turn their gazeaway from the image or caption. Additionally, current structures for thedisplay of advertising posters require ample display surfaces and needscaffolding, frames, uprights, and other bulky support structures, whichgenerally have the tendency to influence negatively on a landscape and,in particular, on an urban decor. The costs of these lighted panels areincreased, in addition to the provision of such structures, also by theneed to connect them to an adequate electrical power supply. Moreover,current lighted panels are unidirectional, in that they are visible onlyfrontally, unless arched panel surfaces, visible from multipledirections, are created.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The aim of the present invention, therefore, is to overcome theaforementioned drawbacks manifested by prior art lighted panels.

In particular an aim of the present invention is to allow the uniformlighting of images and/or captions.

Another aim of the present invention is to create an illumination ofimages and/or captions which does not cause annoyance to motorists andpedestrians, and which complies with the provisions of the Rules of theRoad, in particular not endangering road circulation.

Yet a further aim of the invention is to allow viewing images and/orcaptions with high definition, in a clear and attractive manner.

An additional aim of the present invention is to realise lighted panelswhich do not require bulky structures that may negatively impact on thelandscape.

Still another aim of the present invention is to provide sets of lightedpanels visible from multiple directions.

A further aim of the invention is to realise a lighted panel whichallows for the easy replacement of the images and/or captions to bedisplayed, without requiring a large employment of means and operativepersonnel.

Yet an additional aim of the invention is to realise lighted panelswhich do not entail problems for their connection to an electrical powersupply grid.

These aims, and others besides, are all attained by a lighted paneldisplay able to be applied onto posts, in particular road lighting postsor the like, for the display of advertisements and/or notices orcommunications also of public utility, which, from a general point ofview, is characterised in that it comprises at least a board comprising:

a frame having, as its horizontal sides, a lower and upper elongatedplates, both provided, on opposite faces, with housing seats for a paneland, on corresponding flanks, with means for fastening to a roadlighting post or the like and, as vertical sides, two hollow sectionuprights with longitudinal opening for housing a panel;

a panel for the lighted display of images and/or captions, having lowerand upper edges received in said respective housing seats obtained onsaid lower and upper elongated plates and side edges inserted and heldby said uprights in their said longitudinal housing opening;

means for controlling, powering and lighting the panel;

a covering and finishing element removably fastened onto said upperelongated plate;

said lower elongated plate being provided, in correspondence with therespective extremities of said panel housing seat, with a pair of equalreceiving cavities, of conforming section, of the lower extremities ofsaid uprights; said upper elongated plate being provided, incorrespondence with the respective extremities of said panel housingseat, with a pair of through holes of conforming section for the upperextremities of said uprights, respective closure stoppers being providedfor said through holes.

Advantageously, the structures for the support of the lighted panelsaccording to the invention are represented by elements already presentin an urban décor, such as lighting posts or the like, therebyconsiderably reducing the installation costs of the panels themselves.

Moreover, the lighted panels according to the invention, being mountedon lighting posts, are advantageously near an electrical power supplyline and this allows a further considerable saving in their installationcosts.

Further features and advantages of the present invention shall becomemore readily apparent from the detailed description that follows ofpreferred embodiments, illustrated purely by way of non limitingindication in the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exploded schematic axonometric view of a firstembodiment of a device with a single lighted panel according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 shows a partially sectioned and exploded axonometric view of adevice with three lighted panels according to the present inventionapplied to a road lighting post or the like;

FIG. 3 shows a partially sectioned and exploded schematic axonometricview of a variation of the device of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 shows a schematic axonometric view of the device of FIGS. 2 and3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

With reference to a first embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1 shows, inexploded axonometric view, a device with a single lighted panel. Theframe of the panel (as shown it has rectangular shape, but its shapecould be different) has, as its horizontal sides, a lower elongatedplate 1 and an upper elongated plate 2 and, as its vertical sides, twouprights 3, 4 with hollow section. The elongated plates 1 and 2 and theuprights 3, 4 delimit a panel 5. In this first embodiment the panel 5 isconstituted by a plate of plastic material, for instance polycarbonate,or of different material.

In order to hold the panel 5, the elongated plates 1 and 2 are provided,on mutually opposite plates (FIG. 1 shows only the face 10 of theelongated plate 1), with housing seats 11, fitted with sealing gasket.The housing seat 11 of the elongated plate 1 presents two linearprojections 12 and 13 destined to receive and hold in their inter-spacea lower edge 50 of the panel 5.

The uprights 3, 4 have an open hollow profile section. The section isshown as being circular, but it can also be polygonal. It presents andopening 30, 40 for the insertion of lateral edges 51, 52 of the panel inthe respective uprights 3, 4. Between the panel 5 and the uprights 3 and4, sealing gaskets (not shown herein) may be provided.

To form a frame, the lower elongated plate 1 is provided, incorrespondence with the extremities of the panel housing seat 11, with apair of equal receiving cavities 15, 16, with section conforming to thatof the lower extremities 31, 41 of the uprights 3,4. These extremitiescan be fitted in the cavities 15, 16 with the interposition of a sealinggasket. The upper elongated plate 2 is similarly provided with a pair ofthrough holes 20, 21 for the upper extremities 32, 42 of the uprights 3,4. The holes 20, 21 have their section conforming to that of theuprights 3, 4, but with greater surface are, in order to allow theirupwards extraction. The holes 20, 21 are closed with respective closurestoppers 22, 23 fastened by screwing onto the elongated plate 2. Theupper elongated plate 2 is surmounted by a covering element 25 destinedto serve as a protection and finish for the frame.

The lower and upper elongated plates 1 and 2 present, on theircorresponding flanks 14, 24, means 6, 7 for fastening to a road lightingpost or the like 8 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. The fastening means 6, 7 aresubstantially identical and therefore only the upper ones, indicatedwith 7, shall be described hereafter. They are constituted by a bracket70 for fastening to the post, by a bracket 71 for fastening to theelongated plate 2 of the frame and by a telescoping arm 72. The bracket70 for anchoring to the post by means of screws is appropriately curvedand integral to a first segment of the telescoping arm 72, whereas thebracket 71 for fastening to the frame by means of screws is integralwith a second segment of the same arm. The two segments of thetelescoping arm 72 are able mutually to slide and be locked together ina conventional manner once the desired distance of the frame from thepost has been determined. The fastening means 6, 7 have been shown asindividual and centrally positioned. Naturally, they can be double, asan alternative, with a different disposition on the lower and upperelongated plates.

According to this first embodiment, wherein the panel 5 is constitutedby a sheet of clear material bearing images and/or captions to belighted, the uprights 3, 4 are made of opaque material. Inside them atleast two fluorescent lamps, generically indicated with the number 9,are housed on related end lamp holders (generically indicated with thenumber 90). The lamps 9 are destined to emit light only through thelongitudinal openings 30, 40 of the uprights 3, 4 within the edges 51,52 of the panel 5 in the form of a plate.

Conventionally, the lamps 9, through the respective lamp holders 90, areconnected with a power supply circuit having, for instance, anelectronic starter 91, situated on the upper elongated plate 2 andhoused in a hermetic protective box 92. Advantageously, this powersupply circuit is connected to a road lighting line, the same thatpowers the lamp or lamps borne by the post and which is slaved to astart control regulated by a ambient light sensor (not shown in thedrawings).

Conveniently, although not shown in the drawings, the plate thatconstitutes the panel 5 is machined to present a surface withmicro-prisms for the diffusion of the light emitted therein by thefluorescent lamps.

In Figures from 2 to 4 the lighted panel device according to theinvention is shown in a configuration with three boards individuallyunited, by means of the means for fastening to the post 8.

As shown in FIG. 2, the images and/or captions to be lighted arerealised on a film, indicated as 53, able to be applied adhesively andremovably onto the surface oriented towards the exterior of the plate.Alternatively, the plate of the panel 5 is treated with serigraphy orotherwise printed.

In a second embodiment of the invention, instead of being constituted bya plate, the panel 5 can be constituted by a lighted display of variableimages and/or captions, indicated as 54 in FIG. 2. This display can beconstituted by a LED or plasma panel or by a panel of a different kind.Naturally, if the panel 5 is a lighted display of these types, theuprights do not serve the purpose of containing the fluorescent lamps,but only that of supporting the panel. The display control means, notfurther described, are comprised in the related system for communicatingwith a remote station (not shown in the drawings) and are able toreceive communication or notification messages to be displayed on thepanel. Similarly, the panel in the form of a plate, and means forcontrolling, powering, and lighting the lighted display, destined to besituated in proximity thereto, are positioned on an upper elongatedplate 2 and housed in a protective hermetically sealed box 92.

The display is connected to an electrical power supply line independentfrom the road lighting line slaved to ambient light sensors.Alternatively, the display can be connected to the same road lightingnetwork; in this case the control, power supply, and lighting meansinclude a buffer battery (not shown herein).

As shown in FIG. 3, the lighted panel device according to the invention,in one of its variations, comprises sensors, indicated generically withthe number 93, for the detection of polluting substances contained inthe atmosphere. The sensors, through dedicated lines or radiotransmission, send atmospheric pollution data to a remote unit which inturn could send warning messages to be displayed on a panel of thelighted panel device of the invention.

As an alternative to the configurations shown, though not one expresslyshown herein, the device according to the invention can be realised withonly two panels individually applied to a lighting post or the like inopposite positions. The configuration with the panels fastened inconsecutive positions, the uprights being adjacent, is advantageousbecause it allows to view the same images from multiple directions.

The device with three lighted panels shown in FIGS. 2 through 4 presentsa covering element 26, shaped according to a configuration with asubstantially triangular plan form and provided with a central hole 27.The covering element 26 can therefore comprise three integral mouldedelements, generically indicated with the number 28, approached to theroad lighting post or the like. The covering element 26 is destined tobe set down and removably fastened jointly onto the respective upperelongated plates of the three boards.

It may be advantageous for at least a panel of the three boards to beconstituted by a lighted display of variable images and/or captions,whilst the other two can be constituted by a panel in the form oflighted plate.

Naturally, the invention thus conceived can be subject to numerousmodifications and variations, without thereby departing from the scopeof the inventive concept.

What is claimed is:
 1. Lighted panel device able to be applied ontoposts, in particular road lighting posts, for the display ofadvertisements and notices, characterized in that it comprises at leasta board including: a frame having horizontal sides in a form of lowerand upper elongated plates (12), both provided, on opposite faces, withhousing seats (11) for a panel and, on corresponding flanks (14, 24),with means (6, 7) for fastening to a road lighting post (8) and, asvertical sides, two hollow section uprights (3, 4) each having alongitudinal opening (30, 40) for housing a panel; a panel (5) for thelighted display of images and captions, having lower and upper edges(50) received in said respective housing seats (11) obtained on saidlower and upper elongated plates (1, 2) and side edges (51, 52) eachinserted and held by said uprights in said longitudinal housing opening(30, 40); means for controlling, powering and illuminating the panel(5); a covering and finishing element removably fastened into said upperelongated plate (25; 26); said lower elongated plate (1) being provided,in correspondence with the respective extremities of said panel housingseat (11), with a pair of equal receiving cavities (15, 16), ofconforming section, of the lower extremities (31, 41) of said uprights(3.4); said upper elongated plate (2) being provided, in correspondencewith the respective extremities of said panel housing seat, with a pairof through holes (20, 22), of conforming section, for the upperextremities (32, 42) of said uprights (3, 4) respective closure stoppers(22, 23) being provided for said through holes (20, 21).
 2. Lightedpanel device according to claim 1, characterised in that said hollowprofile of the uprights (3, 4) has open circular section.
 3. Lightedpanel device according to claim 1, characterised in that said hollowprofile of the uprights (3, 4) has open polygonal section.
 4. Lightedpanel device according to claim 1, characterised in that said elongatedseats (11) and panel housing openings (30, 40) are provided with sealinggaskets.
 5. Lighted panel device according to claim 1, characterised inthat each of said fastening means (6, 7) of each lower and upperelongated plate (1, 2) is constituted by a bracket (70) for securing tothe lighting post (8), by a central bracket (71) for securing to theelongated plate (1, 2) of the frame and by a telescoping arm (72) havingat least a first segment integral to said bracket (70) for securing tothe post and at least a second segment integral to the bracket (71) forsecuring to the elongated plate; organs for the adjustment and lockingof said segment of the telescoping arm (72) being provided.
 6. Lightedpanel device according to claim 1, characterised in that: said panel (5)is constituted by a sheet of clear material bearing images and captionsto be lighted and in that said uprights (3, 4) are made of opaquematerial; and in that said means for controlling, supplying power, andlighting the panel comprise: at least two fluorescent lamps (9) housedon related extremity lamp holders (90) inside each uprights (3, 4) anddestined to emit light only through said longitudinal openings (30, 49)of the uprights (3, 4) within the edges (51, 52), held thereby, of saidsheet; a power supply circuit with electronic starter (91) for said atleast two fluorescent lamps (9), situated on the upper elongated plate(2) and housed in a hermetically sealed protective box (92).
 7. Lightedpanel device according to claim 6, characterised in that said powersupply circuit is connected to a road lighting grid slaved to a startingcontrol regulated by a ambient light sensor.
 8. Lighted panel deviceaccording to claim 6, characterised in that said sheet is made ofsuitable synthetic material and machined to present a surface withmicro-prisms for the diffusion of the lighted emitted in said sheet bysaid fluorescent lamps (9).
 9. Lighted panel device according to claim6, characterised in that said images and captions to be lighted arerealized on a film (53) which can be applied adhesively and removablyonto outwardly oriented surface of said sheet.
 10. Lighted panel deviceaccording to claim 6, characterised in that said sheet is treated withserigraphy to show images and captions.
 11. Lighted panel deviceaccording to claim 1, characterised in that said panel (5) isconstituted by a luminous display (54) of variable images and captionswhose control means are comprised in a related communication system witha remote station and are able to receive communication or notificationmessages to be displayed on the panel and in that said control, powersupply and illumination means are situated on an upper elongated plate(2) and housed in a hermetically sealed protective box (92).
 12. Lightedpanel device according to claim 11, characterised in that said display(54) is a LED panel.
 13. Lighted panel device according to claim 11,characterised in that said display (54) is a plasma panel.
 14. Lightedpanel device according to claim 11, characterised in that said display(54) is connected to an electrical power supply line independent fromthe road lighting grid slaved to ambient light sensors.
 15. Lightedpanel device according to claim 11, characterised in that said control,power supply and illumination means comprise a buffer battery. 16.Lighted panel device according to claim 1, characterised in that itcomprises sensors (93) for detecting polluting substances contained inthe atmosphere transmitting related data to a remote unit which monitorspollution.
 17. Lighted panel device according to claim 1, characterisedin that it comprises at least two of said boards applied individually toa road lighting post (8) in opposite positions.
 18. Lighted panel deviceaccording to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises at least two ofsaid boards applied individually to a road lighting post (8) inconsecutive positions.
 19. Lighted panel device according to claim 1,characterised in that it comprises three boards applied individually toa road lighting post (8) in consecutive positions with respective saiduprights (3, 4) adjacent and wherein said covering element (26) shapedaccording to a configuration with substantially triangular plan form andprovided with a central hole (27), comprises three integral mouldedelements (28), approached to the road lighting post (8) and destined tobe set down and removably fastened jointly onto the respective upperelongated plates (2).
 20. Lighted panel device according to claim 19,characterised in that at least one panel (5) of said three boards isconstituted by a luminous display (54) of variable images and captionswhose control means are comprised in a related communication system witha remote station and are able to receive communication or notificationmessages to be displayed on the panel and in that said control, powersupply and illumination means are situated on an upper elongated plate(2) and housed in a hermetically sealed protective box (92).